Composition and physical properties of the aleuropelitic rocks of Ishim formation (southern part of Tyumen region). Prospects for their industrial application

The relevance of the discussed issue. Sedimentary rocks of the Ishim formation of the Miocene are highly widespread within the south of the Tyumen region and are characterized by near-surface bedding. Ishim formation of the late Miocene constitutes of layers of evengrained sand, covered with superfine aleuropelitic bleached rocks. Despite the high potential for industrial use and a significant spread within the south of the Tyumen region, aleuropelitic rocks of the Ishim formation have not found practical application up to the present day. A detailed study of the material composition of these deposits will help to evaluate the possibility of their use in the industries where superfine quartz is relevant. The main aim of the study: studies of chemical and mineralogical composition of the aleuropelitic sediments of Ishim formation in order to assess the possibility of their use in the production of building materials (foam glass-ceramics) on the example of samples present in the natural exposure in the valley of the river Begila in Zavodoukovsk district of the Tyumen region. The methods used in the research: field investigations, macroscopic studies, X-ray fluorescence analysis, X-ray analysis, petrographic analysis, electron microscopy, technological tests. The results. The authors investigated the material composition of aleuropelitic rocks of Ishim formation and their physical properties. High content of fine SiO2 in the studied rocks and high specific surface allow us to examine them as a counterpart of microsilica and marshallit, which opens prospect for production of various building materials from these rocks. Combination of thickness of sequence over a wide area, and near-surface occurrence can serve as a prerequisite to their widespread practical use.